Used 2016 Volkswagen Passat for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 3.90% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 799 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the 5/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert score is 7.83/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

The 2016 Passat comes across as a straightforward midsize family sedan with a roomy, practical character rather than a flashy one. Its appeal is strongest if you value substance, comfort, and a family-friendly setup over image.

Only 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you may need to shop selectively to find the best value.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The overview and expert notes point to a car that can reward buyers who look past its reputation, even though reliability predictions are average. The expert commentary also notes that mechanical complaints have been limited compared with the infotainment issues that have drawn attention since the redesign.

The performance notes also suggest the car’s turbocharged setup is tuned for easy, low-rpm torque and relaxed everyday driving, which can help it feel less strained in normal use. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that average reliability expectations and ownership-cost concerns may weigh on confidence even if the car itself feels solid.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Volkswagen Passat?

At 53.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a careful pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a car with a lower price or a higher equipment level. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim you think you’re buying.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the most affordable choice, while the SE adds a more complete family-car setup with features such as adaptive cruise control and available driver-assistance tech; the R-Line emphasizes style, but it cannot be equipped with some key safety technologies.
• Powertrain: Most cars use the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the optional V6 is reserved for the top SEL Premium trim.
• Safety package: The Passat includes a forward-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, while the SEL Premium adds lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and more advanced blind-spot technology.
• Infotainment: Screen sizes start at 5 inches on the S and R-Line and move to 6.3 inches on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium models; App-Connect brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and Car-Net is available with the larger system.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says the Passat returns 29 mpg in combined driving, and the test loop returned 29.7 mpg.

Which 2016 Volkswagen Passat trim should I buy?

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is offered in 4 trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL Premium V6.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the Passat, but it also has the smallest 5-inch infotainment screen, so it makes the most sense if your priority is keeping the purchase price down.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the larger 6.3-inch screen, App-Connect smartphone projection, adaptive cruise control, and access to the key forward-collision and automatic emergency braking systems.
• R-Line: Choose this if you care most about appearance, since it adds sport-themed styling and 19-inch wheels, but it is not the trim to target if safety-tech availability is your top priority.
• SEL Premium V6: This is the most fully equipped version, adding the V6 engine, premium audio, parking sensors, and parking assistance features, so it suits you best if you want the most content and are willing to pay for it.

For safety-package shoppers, the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium are the trims that bring the strongest crash-avoidance coverage.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Volkswagen Passat?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and be ready to move when you find a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 799 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.90% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,110, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat's resale value?

The current average of $9,324 sits slightly below last year's $9,703.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers than sellers. If you own one now, you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment level rather than on broad market momentum alone.

Because the model has softened over the past year, a clean, well-kept example should stand out more than a rough one. Strong maintenance records and desirable equipment can help you defend asking price when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat safe?

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat earns Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Volkswagen made the front structure changes needed to improve crash performance, and the Passat also includes a standard automatic post-collision braking system. In SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking help the car reach the higher safety designation.

The standard safety equipment also includes a reversing camera, and the SE can be optioned with blind-spot warning, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic reverse braking. The SEL and SEL Premium make that blind-spot and rear-cross-traffic package standard, and the SEL Premium adds lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.

Should I buy a 2016 Volkswagen Passat or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.90% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 brings a refreshed structure, stronger crash performance, and available forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,612, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,324 average.
• It adds standard blind-spot monitoring and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on more trims.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the more compelling buy because pricing has softened and the safety package is strong. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model with broader standard tech, the 2017 is the cleaner upgrade path for price-insensitive buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.